Astros add veteran starter

Last night on the radio program Astroline Jeff Luhnow promised that he would be adding more players to the Astros roster within the next week. This time he didn’t wait long to live up to his word. According to Ken Rosenthal the Astros have agreed to terms with Free Agent starting pitcher Scott Feldman, pending a physical. Luhnow has yet to confirm the news.

Pitching has proven to be expensive this winter. Feldman’s deal is reported to be worth $30 million over three years — comparable to recent contracts signed by the likes of Jason Vargas and Phil Hughes. The big right-hander, who turns 31 in February, went 12-12 with a 3.86 ERA last season with the Cubs and Orioles.

Relying heavily on his cutter, Feldman is a ground ball specialist. In addition to a low nineties fastball, he also features a slow curve that he has been able to get hitters to chase.

This isn’t the sexiest signing on the market this winter but could turn out to be a positive for a team that desperately needs a veteran innings eater. Feldman will slot into the front of the Astros rotation in an effort to take some of the pressure off the young guys that make up the rest of the starting staff.

Is Luhnow done dealing? I don’t think so. The Winter Meetings start on Monday. Stay tuned to CTH for more Astros news as it develops.

Scott Feldman (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)